Neath within sight of target

Scrum half Kevin Farrell is just one of a number of changes made to Neath's team which faces Bedwas.

Neath play their final home League game of the season against Bedwas at The Gnoll tomorrow (KO 2.30pm) knowing that victory will see them receive the Principality Premiership trophy at tea-time.

But Neath are taking nothing for granted against the battling Gwent side as they seek what would be an amazing fifth championship title in six years and a first for coach Patrick Horgan in his role as Head Coach.

The Welsh All Blacks have enjoyed another outstanding campaign and, after their controversial 24-27 defeat at Newport, they roared back to accomplish a 51-36 victory at Pontypridd on Tuesday evening.

Horgan said: "We are now within sight of our target and it would be nice to settle the title with victory on Saturday in front of our own supporters who have again been magnificent this season. But until we actually win it, you won't hear us shouting the odds.

"Tuesday evening's performance was generally impressive. We made lots of changes to keep things nice and fresh and I don't recall anyone else registering a half-century of points at Pontypridd. In a great team effort there were some notable individual highlights such as Adam Whitney's try hat-trick and 26 points from Gareth McCarthy who didn't miss a kick.

"On the other hand we were not happy with some of the schoolboy defending at the end. We certainly won't be able to do that against Bedwas who are good fighters and will look to stop us playing. We have a lot of respect for what they've achieved in the seven years of Premiership but we are in good shape and looking forward to a big home crowd to cheer us on .

"If that trophy is safely in our cabinet by tea-time, I will be one very happy coach but we still have it all to do and we'll need to be as organised and positive as ever."
Neath v Bedwas (Home): G.King; K.James, N.Brew, S.Thomas, K.Phillips; A.Thomas (captain), K.Farrell; E.Lewis, G.Price, M.Jones; E.Evans, N.Edwards; M.Collins, G.Gravell, A.Whitney
Replacements : A.Jenkins, G.McCarthy, T.James, J.Reeves, A.James, P.Sidoli, H.Pugh

British & Irish Lions trio Leigh Halfpenny, Liam Williams and Dan Biggar return to the Wales starting line-up for Saturday's crucial NatWest 6 Nations encounter in Dublin against Ireland where Warren Gatland's men will be seeking their second scalp of the campaign.

Wales forward coach Robin McBryde has given Welsh fans a major boost ahead of this weekend's vital NatWest 6 Nations clash by declaring "Everybody has been given the green light," with injured trio Dan Biggar, Taulupe Faletau and Leigh Halfpenny all back in training.

The Wales squad met back up this morning to prepare for the clash against England - WRU TV caught up with Neil Jenkins who said the squad were under no illusions for their next task but a trip to Twickenham doesn't hold any fears for a confident Wales side.

Wales hooker Ken Owens was delighted to get the NatWest 6 Nations off to a flying start with a convincing win against Scotland, where he says the squad were determined to deliver a performance 'from minute one.'

Welsh referee Nigel Owens will create history in the opening round of the NatWest 6 Nations clash at Stade de France where France face Ireland, when he surpasses the previous record of 17 Six Nations matches held by Alain Rolland and Jonathan Kaplan, as WRU TV's Graeme Gillespie discovers

Just two days until the NatWest 6 Nations kicks off. George North takes WRU TV around the players area at Principality Stadium after going through security - which fans will have to do on Saturday. Gates open at 11.15 - don't leave it late!

Next in the series of #TheTeamRoom we listen in to the first leadership group in camp. The players were asked to nominate their peers who they wanted to represent them on the group and we hear what Warren and the players have to say.